Electrophysiology

The cardiac subspecialty of electrophysiology (EP) diagnoses and treats arrhythmias. This includes use of pacemakers to treat bradycardia, implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD) for tachycardia, heart failure and patients at risk of sudden cardiac arrest, and cardiac ablation treatments to treat heart rhythm disorders.

Death after TAVR: Heart failure, sudden cardiac arrest stand out as 2 leading causes
A majority of patient deaths within two years of TAVR can be linked to cardiovascular complications, according to new research published in JACC: Cardiovascular Interventions. Can follow-up care be improved to combat this trend?
AFib recurrence during the 90-day blanking period after ablation—nothing serious or a sign of trouble?
Asking patients to use smartphone-powered ECG devices following catheter ablation procedures could be incredibly beneficial, according to new findings published in JACC: Clinical Electrophysiology.
Pulsed field ablation shows potential to replace thermal ablation
Vivik Reddy, MD, explained that pulsed field ablation is associated with many benefits compared to the current standard of care in electrophysiology.
EP studies during TAVR are safe and effective, new pilot study confirms
New research in JACC: Cardiovascular Interventions explored the potential of performing EP studies before and after valve deployment. TAVR operators handled all catheter manipulations, and EP specialists were on hand to capture the necessary measurements.
Cooling device now approved by FDA to reduce risk of ablation-related esophageal injuries
Already approved for temperature management, the single-use ensoETM device is now cleared for another use: minimizing the risk of potentially fatal injuries to the patient's esophagus during radiofrequency ablation procedures.

American Heart Association and Joint Commission launch new Comprehensive Heart Attack Center certification.

Death after TAVR: Heart failure, sudden cardiac arrest stand out as 2 leading causes

A majority of patient deaths within two years of TAVR can be linked to cardiovascular complications, according to new research published in JACC: Cardiovascular Interventions. Can follow-up care be improved to combat this trend?

September 29, 2023

AFib recurrence during the 90-day blanking period after ablation—nothing serious or a sign of trouble?

Asking patients to use smartphone-powered ECG devices following catheter ablation procedures could be incredibly beneficial, according to new findings published in JACC: Clinical Electrophysiology.

September 27, 2023

Vivik Reddy, MD, director of arrhythmia service and processor of medicine in cardiac electrophysiology, Mt. Sinai, New York, expolains the key takeaways from the ADVENT trial of pulsed field ablation at ESC 2023.

Pulsed field ablation shows potential to replace thermal ablation

Vivik Reddy, MD, explained that pulsed field ablation is associated with many benefits compared to the current standard of care in electrophysiology.

September 22, 2023

EP studies during TAVR are safe and effective, new pilot study confirms

New research in JACC: Cardiovascular Interventions explored the potential of performing EP studies before and after valve deployment. TAVR operators handled all catheter manipulations, and EP specialists were on hand to capture the necessary measurements.

September 20, 2023

Attune Medical has been granted De Novo marketing authorization from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its ensoETM device to reduce the likelihood of ablation-related esophageal injury resulting from radiofrequency cardiac ablation procedures.

Cooling device now approved by FDA to reduce risk of ablation-related esophageal injuries

Already approved for temperature management, the single-use ensoETM device is now cleared for another use: minimizing the risk of potentially fatal injuries to the patient's esophagus during radiofrequency ablation procedures.

September 19, 2023

durbin-ama-opioid. The American College of Cardiology (ACC) and American Heart Association (AHA) have published new guidelines focused on the diagnosis, treatment and management of patients with chronic coronary disease (CCD).

NOACs vs. VKAs in TAVR patients with new-onset AFib: New meta-analysis examines key differences

The biggest differences between the two treatment options were major bleeding events and all-cause mortality. There was no significant difference when it came to stroke risk.

September 18, 2023

cardiologist preparing to perform radiofrequency ablation

Another long-term benefit of AFib ablation: Improved mental health

A new study published in JAMA suggests catheter ablation can help AFib patients experience fewer feelings of depression and anxiety.

September 13, 2023

Matthew Latacha, MD, Methodist Health System, cardiologist

Cardiologist killed in bicycle accident remembered as a ‘talented and compassionate’ electrophysiologist

According to a loving tribute from Methodist Health System, Matthew Latacha, MD, was “well respected, admired and loved by patients, colleagues and staff.” The incident is still under investigation.

September 11, 2023

Around the web

Health Exec

Surgeons successfully transplant pig hearts into recently deceased humans

Surgeons at NYU Langone Health successfully transplanted two genetically engineered pigs hearts into recently deceased humans in June and July.

Health Exec

Machine learning predicts drug cardiotoxicity

Machine learning is playing a key role in predicting all major forms of drug cardiotoxicity, potentially helping reduce late-stage clinical trial failures.

Health Exec

After heart attack, older patients have longer hospital stays but smaller total bills

Heart attack patients aged 65 and up stay hospitalized longer than those aged 65 or under—yet the seniors ring up significantly smaller bills per stay. The bad news is that the “savings” likely come in the form of fewer percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs, aka angioplasties) to open blocked heart arteries nonsurgically.